The Life You Imagine: Life Lessons for Achieving Your Dreams [Paperback]

Derek Jeter (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 5, 2001

Ever wonder what it would take to turn all of your dreams into reality? In The Life You Imagine, All-Star New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter shows how you can use the same game plan that helped an eight-year-old boy who fantasized about playing baseball for the Bronx Bombers grow up and become MVP of the 2000 World Series. With the help and support of both of his parents, Derek developed a practical program that would assist him in achieving all of his personal and professional aspirations-and now he shares his secrets to success so that you can get closer to living your dream, too.

In this inspiring, information-packed book, Derek provides you with the ten lessons that have guided him throughout his life on and off the field, from his dream of being a gifted, hardworking athlete to his goal of becoming an active community leader. Using personal stories from his own life as a student athlete in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and as a Yankee team player, Derek writes about the simple steps that put him on course for success, including:

* Setting your goals high and finding the right role models
* Being serious but still having fun
* Challenging yourself daily and not being afraid to fail
* Surrounding yourself with a strong supporting cast

Filled with rare family photos and pictures of Derek playing for the Yankees, The Life You Imagine is an intimate look into the life of a superstar athlete -- including the remarkable relationship he has with his family, what it's like to play with the Yankees, and how he's used his baseball celebrity to found the Turn 2 Foundation, a drug and alcohol prevention program for kids.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This year's most valuable player on the All-Star team and a shortstop for the New York Yankees, Jeter would seem to have the perfect life. His skills on the field are stellar, and he's already been compared to some of baseball's most legendary players. Teammates and fans respect and adore him. In this affable volume, Jeter, who says he hopes he can set a good example for young people, shares some of his personal history as he outlines the 10 principles that led to his success. Jeter's life was not always idyllic: his mother is white and his father African-American, and they, along with Jeter and his sister, Sharlee, endured slurs and taunts while growing up. Yet Jeter clearly found a bulwark of affection in his parents, who set high standards for him and refused to let him stint on his academic work even as they wholeheartedly supported his athletic pursuits. (In fact, Jeter and his sister had to sign contracts spelling out the daily chores and other work they were expected to do.) Among the lessons his parents helped Jeter learn: set high goals, don't be afraid to fail, find role models and think before you act. For example, in the chapter "Have a Strong Supporting Cast," Jeter discusses the importance of selecting friends who encourage your ambitions and provide frank criticism of your mistakes; he offers many anecdotes of his own friends, including manager Joe Torre and his high school sweetheart, Marisa Novara. Jeter and Curry, a sports reporter for the New York Times, clearly assume the audience for this book will be teenagers who are looking to emulate Jeter's success. In fact, Jeter's story and his genuine concern with "being the best" and "doing the right thing" should motivate readers of all ages. (Sept.)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

If you dream it, it will happen. That is the mantra of Derek Jeter, the superstar shortstop of the New York Yankees. How did this scrawny kid from Kalamazoo, Michigan, come to be a starter with the most storied franchise in baseball history? He breaks the answer down into what he calls 10 lessons. His stability, he says, comes from his parents, hard workers who backed Jeter in whatever he wanted to do. Although he seems a bit wet behind the ears in some respects--can anyone be that nice?--Jeter does have a refreshing, matter-of-fact tone when he reflects on the game, his teammates, his family, and how he thinks others can achieve their goals. Even with all his success--Minor League Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year, and two World Series rings--Jeter remains humble, at least on the outside. "Whenever someone tells my father how humble I seem, he'll chuckle and point out that I have more inner arrogance than anyone." Expect interest wherever there are Yankee fans. Mary Frances Wilkens
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Broadway; First Edition edition (June 5, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0439356016
• ISBN-13: 978-0609807187
• ASIN: 0609807188
• Product Dimensions: 5.4 x 0.8 x 8.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (56 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #321,014 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A true inspirational role model!, October 6, 2000

By 

Kelli Brown (Ohio, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Life You Imagine : Life Lessons for Achieving Your Dreams (Hardcover)

A true inspirational and motivational book. Once I began reading, I found it difficult to put down. A true tribute to how determination, dedication, love, support and a positive attitude can help anyone achieve whatever dreams they desire. Derek Jeter's journey from a childhood dream to the steps and scarifices he took in accomplishing his goal is a life lesson for anyone, whether you're 9 or 99. An intimate look at his family, his thoughts, his fears, his struggles, his triumphs...I found myself laughing, crying and reflecting on my own life as I related his experiences to my own. This book teaches you about Derek Jeter, but mostly, it teaches you about life. A+++++

19 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Add a Star If You Are Under 18, October 13, 2000

By 

michael luciano - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Life You Imagine : Life Lessons for Achieving Your Dreams (Hardcover)

Derek Jeter is the superstar shortstop for the most well known sports franchise in the world and he reminds us of this on almost every other page. For some reason this does not come across as conceit. Jeter is a truly likeable individual and I think it is great that he has written a book that can serve as an inspiration for teens and young adults. So many of the sports stars out there today are horrific role models for today's youth. Jeter stands on his own as a respectful athlete who has not squandered his immense talent. That being said, while this book is a must read for any sports fan under the age of eighteen I do not believe that adults will feel the same way. I am a Yankee fan so I was able to find enjoyment from Jeter's stories about the great championship seasons of recent years. However, others will probably find the story telling a little too simplistic. If you are looking for a tell all book about his relationship with Maria Carey you will not find it here. If you are looking for a great gift to give to a young aspiring sports fan, this book is perfect.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Role Model for all ages., September 18, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Life You Imagine : Life Lessons for Achieving Your Dreams (Hardcover)

I could not put this book down. Derek Jeter has become a role model for people of all ages. It's an honest look at his life and how he has become so successful. This book is a touching tribute to his parents and the wonderful job they have done. I would recommend this book to young people and their parents too. Enjoy it.